Dave’s US Political Analysis Corner

I avoid politics, and for the most part, I avoid even talking about politics. But I figured I’d drop an example of why that is.

2016

Option A – Clinton wins. Republican majority House and Senate stack against her. Shoots down every EO with 2/3rd votes. Moderate Democrats seek compromise with GOP and turn a cold shoulder. She slogs through 4 yrs accomplishing little more than compromises with the enemy. Spends most time blaming opposition for no impact. News media devotes 24/7 to blasting holes in every thing she does. Fox, Breitbart and Reason enjoy raging viewer revenue. Who doesn’t win: you.

Option B – Trump wins. Republican majority House and Senate and Democrat minority stack against him. Shoots down every EO with 2/3rd votes. He slogs through 4 yrs accomplishing little more than compromises with the enemy. Spends most time blaming opposition for no impact. News media devotes 24/7 to blasting holes in every thing he does. CNN, all of the late night talk shows, and comedians enjoy raging viewer revenue. Who doesn’t win: you.

Either outcome, you don’t win. Your job and pay check remain sucky. Crime continues to be sucky. Race relations get suckier. More comic book themed movies and merchandise smack you in the face like mosquitoes at a Bayou picnic. Cell coverage still sucks. Your bills continue to rise. Wars rage on. And you’re glad you voted for the awesome “change”.

In the spirit of Freakonomics’ episode on presidential relevance (e.g. “How important is the American President?“), it really boils down to this: The impact any president has depends entirely on two (2) factors.

Majority rule in the House and Senate

Economic and security conditions

When both candidates are disliked by the majority rule in other parts of legislative capacity, and public sentiment leans towards keeping incumbents in office, it means they’re quarterbacks on a team that WANTS them to be sacked. At this point, the most optimistic expectation is to look ahead to 2020 and hope for better choices. Meanwhile, I’m watching some bitchin’ videos!